{"product_id":"audio-technica-at-vm95e-cartridge-with-at-hs1-headshell-clear","title":"Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge with AT-HS1 Headshell - Clear","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the combined Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge and AT-HS1 universal headshell are judged as an affordable, no-nonsense upgrade for direct-drive turntable owners who want clearer tracking and a cleaner tone without complex setup. The package is aimed at users of the AT-LP120-USB, AT-LP240-USB and AT-LP1240-USB models and anyone with a standard 1\/2' mount tonearm; the single biggest reason to buy is the VM95E's elliptical stylus and specially wound coils, which deliver noticeably improved clarity and output compared with many stock cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElliptical stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical tip improves high-frequency detail and stereo separation for clearer vocals and instruments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAluminum cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e The rigid aluminum cantilever helps maintain accurate groove tracking and reduces unwanted resonance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh output coils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specially wound coils raise the cartridge output to around 4.0 mV, making it easier to drive standard phono preamps without extra gain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable polymer housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The low-resonance polymer body minimizes coloration and includes threaded inserts that simplify mounting to the headshell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal headshell fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e The AT-HS1 all-metal headshell includes an integral finger lift and rubber washer for a secure, stable attachment to compatible direct-drive decks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterchangeable styli:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because VM95 bodies are shared across the series, users can upgrade the stylus later without replacing the entire cartridge body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bundle is best for hobbyist vinyl listeners and home DJs who own the AT-LP120-USB, AT-LP240-USB or AT-LP1240-USB direct-drive turntables or any deck with a 1\/2' mount tonearm and who want a straightforward sound upgrade that is easy to install. It also suits anyone who values straightforward maintenance, since the VM95 series supports interchangeable styli for future upgrades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess appropriate for audiophiles seeking the last degree of refinement from high-end, low-compliance cartridges or for users who need highly specialized cartridges for DJ scratching; those buyers should look to higher-end moving-coil options or DJ-targeted cartridges designed specifically for heavy backcue use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eClearer, more detailed sound and improved channel separation compared to many stock cartridges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHigher output from specially wound coils makes it easy to pair with common phono inputs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSturdy, low-resonance housing and aluminum cantilever give reliable tracking and longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAT-HS1 headshell provides a secure mechanical fit and convenient finger lift for turntable use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWhile a strong upgrade, it is not a high-end audiophile moving-coil cartridge and some listeners may eventually want a pricier model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLimited to 1\/2' mount turntables, so owners of proprietary mounts will need an adapter or different headshell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCartridge type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual moving magnet (VM95 series)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStylus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCantilever\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 4.0 mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHousing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDurable low-resonance polymer with threaded inserts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeadshell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAT-HS1 all-metal universal 1\/2' mount, white finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAT-LP120-USB, AT-LP240-USB, AT-LP1240-USB and other 1\/2' mount tonearms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-VM95E cartridge with AT-HS1 headshell is a sensible value upgrade for direct-drive turntable owners who want clearer tracking, improved output and a durable mounting solution without fuss. It delivers a tangible sonic improvement over many stock fittings, is easy to install, and provides an upgrade path via interchangeable styli, making it a practical choice for most home listeners and hobbyist DJs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this fit my AT-LP120-USB?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the AT-VM95E and AT-HS1 are designed to fit the AT-LP120-USB and the AT-LP240-USB and AT-LP1240-USB direct-drive turntables with a 1\/2' mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I replace the stylus later?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the VM95 series uses a shared body so you can change to any compatible AT-VMN95 replacement stylus without swapping the cartridge body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this good for DJ use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe unit is suitable for casual DJ play and improved tracking, but serious scratch DJs may prefer cartridges specifically engineered for heavy cueing and backcue work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Audio-Technica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48604799631579,"sku":"B08S8J19T6","price":118.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51znTbwp7NL._AC_SL1001.jpg?v=1778568035","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/audio-technica-at-vm95e-cartridge-with-at-hs1-headshell-clear","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}